In this month’s guest feature from Michael O’Connor and Platinum Guild International, we’re showcasing some of the recent trends in celebrity engagement rings and how you can incorporate them into your marriage proposal (and budget).

Just like photos from red carpet events, when a celebrity gets engaged, we anxiously await a close-up photo of their engagement ring. After all, celebrities set engagement ring trends. Whether it’s Reese Witherspoon’s Ashoka cut diamond on a micro-pavé band, or Emily Blunt’s vintage ring, I’m noticing that celebrity brides are consistently choosing platinum. Why? Platinum is a great choice for engagement rings because it won’t change color or fade. It symbolizes a relationship that will endure. Since most of us can’t afford to spend hundreds of thousands (or millions!) on an engagement ring, I wanted to share my tips on how you can still get one of the latest platinum ring styles without breaking the bank:

Diamond solitaire set in platinum from Gelin Abaci (L), Micro pave diamond engagement ring set in platinum from Diamond In The Rough (R)

1. Diamond Solitaire: Carrie-Ann Inaba received a princess cut diamond on a solid platinum band. This design draws attention to the center diamond, and since platinum is naturally white, it makes the diamond sparkle even brighter and appear larger, regardless of the size! Solitaire styles are the perfect choice for women who know their style is going to evolve and mature, or change over time. A platinum set solitaire style will work with everything and is easily given a fresh appearance simply by changing out the bands that you put with it. Solitaires can also be extremely “budget-friendly” since it’s easy to find a diamond in a size and quality to fit almost any budget.

Custom designed platinum engagement ring from Gemvara.com

2. Customized Design: While a celebrity might choose a large center gemstone, it’s the customized design of a ring that truly makes it a platinum sparkler. Julie Benz received a one-of-a-kind platinum and cushion cut diamond engagement ring complete with a diamond frame and milgrain edge band. You can also inscribe a personal message or symbol and date onto the inside of your ring. This secret message sits next to the skin and is a constant reminder of the love and special moments a couple has shared. Personalization adds a huge emotional value to your ring regardless of how much you decide to spend. Having your message engraved in platinum will ensure that it lasts a lifetime.

3. Micro-Pavé Diamond Collar: Natalie Portman and Molly Sims chose the elegance of a micro-pavé or thin diamond collar to surround their center diamond. Diamond collars are the newest trend capturing the imaginations of Hollywood, providing an extra ring of sparkle and scintillation around the center diamond. This extra ring is not only dazzling, but it also creates the illusion of making a smaller diamond appear even larger and giving it extra life – the look you want at a price you can live with.

To view photos of the latest engagement ring styles within your price range, visit PreciousPlatinum.com/EngagementRings.

—

platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

Grooms: have you considered any of the above styles for the ring you’ll be giving your future bride? Brides: which ring above stands out to you and why? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Erica Courtney has built one of the most recognized fine jewelry brands in the industry today and was named one of the top 10 jewelry designers in the world by United Brands just this year. In 2006, inspired by her son’s engagement, Erica launched the Gorgeous and Engaged® bridal collection. The line consists of the most distinguished and exquisite engagement rings and custom wedding bands created in platinum. Many of the designs feature initials engraved or paved into the setting for an extra special romantic touch.

Erica Courtney

We asked Erica about her wedding jewelry collection.

What is your biggest inspiration when designing a new jewelry piece?
The stone really inspires me and for my custom pieces, I get inspiration from getting to know the person. I like to learn where they’re from, what they love and what kind of lifestyle they live. 9 out of 10 times it’s in a gorgeous platinum setting.

How did your son’s engagement inspire the Gorgeous and Engaged bridal collection?
He (Josh) didn’t give me any direction when it came to designing Jesse’s (daughter-in-law) ring except he wanted it in platinum. It basically opened up the design floodgates for me.

Platinum jewelry from Erica Courtney. Images courtesy of Erica Courtney.

Out of your collections, which piece is the most significant to you?
My 113 CT Aquamarine and platinum pendant necklace because, for one, it’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s also my precious grandbaby, Brooklyn’s, birthstone. When I want to showcase an amazing colored gemstone, I typically set it in platinum since it’s a naturally white metal so it maximizes the brilliance of my colored stone.

In all your years of experience, what would you say is the most important element in buying an engagement ring/wedding band? Why?
Be clear on what you want and don’t settle. This is the most romantic piece of jewelry you may ever buy, make it super special.

Platinum jewelry from Erica Courtney. Images courtesy of Erica Courtney.

Do you have any tips for men who are looking to purchase an engagement ring? Or couples purchasing wedding bands?
If there’s any time to splurge, now’s the time! I also tell my customers to think about choosing platinum since the setting will hold the diamond most securely. And lastly, if you get a great deal, don’t tell anyone.

To view more platinum jewelry designs from Erica Courtney, visit www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

What are your thoughts on Erica Courtney’s jewelry designers? As a bride or groom, do these pieces look like something that might be a fit for you? Let us know in the comments section below.

Platinum jewelry from Erica Courtney. Images courtesy of Erica Courtney.

—–

platinum guild international is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

What do Mr. Big, Javier Bardem and Dax Shepard have in common? They all proposed to their brides with engagement rings featuring stunning colored gemstones.

Photos from left to right: Carrie Underwood, Penélope Cruz and Carmen Electra wearing their platinum and colored gemstone engagement rings.

“Whether it’s black, yellow or blue, colored engagement rings set in platinum are becoming increasingly popular since they are non-traditional and very eye-catching,” says jewelry and style expert Michael O’Connor. “In fact, Prince William is reportedly expected to present Kate Middleton with his mother’s platinum, 18-karat blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring.”

Platinum is the favored engagement and wedding ring setting for Hollywood stars and royalty. Not only does the durable metal hold gemstones securely, but because it’s a naturally white metal (unlike white gold which is naturally yellow), platinum also maximizes the brilliance of colored stones. You don’t need a celebrity’s budget to afford the high quality of platinum. Nowadays, designers are offering platinum engagement rings with colored stones in a variety of styles and prices to fit most budgets. Below are examples of the latest celebrity ring styles in platinum for under $5,000.

For more information on platinum rings, check out Precious Platinum.

Carrie Underwood’s platinum and yellow diamond ring is estimated at $800,000. Above is a platinum and yellow sapphire ring from Simon G. Jewelry priced at $3,970 including the center stone.

Penélope Cruz wears a platinum and blue sapphire ring valued at $40,000. Above is a platinum and blue sapphire ring from Beladora.com priced at $3,650 including the center stone.

Carmen Electra sports a platinum and black diamond ring valued at $70,000. Above is a platinum and natural rough black diamond ring from Diamond In The Rough priced at $3,500 including the center stone.

—-

disclosure: platinum guild is a sponsor of the man registry’s groomsadvice blog

By Guest Blogger: Whiteflash.com

You have finally discovered the woman that fills your heart’s desires and you are planning your romantic proposal. A man often has various questions, concerns and insecurities when it comes to presenting his girlfriend with her engagement ring.

Does your girlfriend have a crush on a supermodel/ actress/ social divas engagement ring? Will what you pick be up to snuff? We all know that celebrities may have a lot of faults but they do set the standards for style and what is cool Here is a list of engagement rings that will make her bling like the stars without breaking the bank.

Here are a few celeb’s rings and our suggestions:

Mariah Carey's Engagement Ring

We know you don’t have millions to spend but here is a great alternative like a Three Stone Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. She might not be Mariah Cary but she will defiantly shine like a star with this ring bling.

Here are a few more famous starlets and their engagement rings:

Ashlee Simpson's Engagement Ring

Ashlee Simpon’s engagement ring is over 4 carats and costs more than an $100K (Yikes) but if you like the halo look I suggest the Halo Bezel Engagement Ring for a fraction of the price.

Scarlett Johansson's Engagement Ring

If your girl wants to bling like Scarlet Johansson you will need to spend about $30k! We have a alternative for this classic channel set eternity ring to fit your budget.

Does your girlfriend love Desperate Housewives and Eva Longoria! Not to worry we have some ring bling that will impress even the best of them!

Eva Longoria's Engagement Ring

Does your girlfriend love Fergie and The Black Eyed Peas? Here is an option for those who do not have $75K to spend.

Fergie's Engagement Ring

Here is something called the X Prong which is almost the exact same style setting for those who do not have a rock stars budget!

X Prong by Whiteflash.com

With bling being the in thing one has to stop and wonder how the heck normal average working guys plan to pay for these rings. What if you’re the Average Joe living from pay day to pay day? What should you do…move into the bush and give up your home, perhaps take up walking and sell your car?

Our answer is NO, NO, NO! Here is a way to impress not only your girlfriend but her sister, her mother and all of her friends (and even people she may not know)! Any of these rings are sure to cause ring envy so proceed with caution and head to Whiteflash.com to find your best alternatives to shine like the stars!

They say never to fall in love with a co-worker. I guess technically, this would count. Alicia Keys is now engaged to her producer, Swizz Beatz.  Neither side will officially confirm the engagement, but a friend told UsMagazine that the couple is in Hawaii celebrating the pending nuptial (and the 7-carat rock).

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys are engaged.

The only downside to all of this is that Beatz is still in the process of finalizing his divorce from Mashonda Beatz.